WATCH ABOVE: For the fifth time in 12 years, the puck is set to drop on the World’s Longest Hockey Game. Kevin Karius has more on the great game – and greater cause.
EDMONTON — The World’s Longest Hockey Game is back.
Beginning Friday, Feb. 6, 40 hockey players will attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest hockey game. With the help of an army of volunteers, the players will hit the ice until Family Day: Feb. 16.
The game will be played for close to 250 straight hours, but the record is not the goal. The goal is to raise money for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
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Since 2003, the World’s Longest Hockey Game has raised more than $2.1 million. Money raised this year will help pay for a PET-MR scanner for the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton. The piece of equipment helps doctors and researchers understand cancer behaviour, as well as improve radiation therapy.
This year, the game will be taken to a whole new level. Brent Saik, the game organizer, and a crew of workers have spent months constructing a facility for the players, referees, medical staff and kitchen staff. The building will also be a warm place for fans and sponsors to enjoy the game if gets really cold outside.
“The reason for the building is simple,” said Saik. “If it gets to -20°C it’s hard for people to come out. It’s hard for kids to come out, it’s hard for older people to come out. They still do, but I want to make it comfortable.
“If it’s cold there’s no excuse for you to tell me that you couldn’t make it because it was too cold.”
Global Edmonton sports anchor Kevin Karius will be playing in the game. For more information on the game, and for directions to Saiker’s Acres, visit the World Longest Hockey Game’s website.
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